Fight Capital Newsletter #16

Welcome back to the Fight Capital Newsletter! Every week, I look to give readers and podcast listeners an in-depth look at different aspects of the global combat sports ecosystem.

In this edition, I'm diving deep into a groundbreaking partnership that's set to revolutionize the combat sports landscape. Paradigm Sports , a global sports and entertainment agency partnering with numerous of the best combat sports athletes in the world, has joined forces with TransferMate Global Payments , a top-tier B2B global payments infrastructure provider. Together, they seek to reshape the financial relationships in and out of combat sports.

I believe this collaboration shows much promise for streamlined financial processes and new growth avenues for athletes, agencies, and brand partnerships.

Plus, don't miss this week's podcasts featuring Eduardo "Torero" Alvarado, a combat sports athlete and commentator fighting out of Tijuana, as well as Daniel "Lt. Dan" Dilallo, a mixed reality futurist and MMA athlete. Both of these gentlemen share their intriguing journeys and insights, and I know you will come away glad you listened to it.

Feel free to drop me a comment with your thoughts on these subjects, and I look forward to hearing your perspective.

Thank you!

Ryan Vevon Rapaport

Paradigm Sports & TransferMate Partnership: A Game Changer for the Combat Sports Ecosystem

The recently announced strategic partnership between Paradigm Sports and TransferMate Global Payments is a monumental leap in the right direction for combat sports.

This collaboration between one of the world's foremost sports and entertainment agencies and a top-tier B2B global payments infrastructure provider promises streamlined financial processes. It heralds new avenues of growth for agencies, athletes, and brand partnerships.

But what makes this collaboration so significant?

1. Globalization of Combat Sports

Over the past 15 years, all combat sports have witnessed exponential growth. With the mainstream appeal of athletes like Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather in the "Money Fight" (which was brokered by Paradigm Sports Founder Audie Attar, MBA, MCDR ), it's clear that combat sports aren't limited to regional boundaries.

Azhar Muhammad-Saul , Chief Operating Officer of Paradigm, highlights this evolution by stating, "With the rapid trajectory of growth the sport of MMA has experienced over the last 15 years, the business opportunity around combat sports will continue to evolve even further, as it becomes mainstream in the institutional world."

Now, with Paradigm representing athletes across 32 countries, international transactions are inevitable. TransferMate, with its robust payments network covering 200 countries and 140+ currencies, provides a seamless solution to navigate this global landscape.

As more countries recognize and invest in combat sports, the need for efficient global financial transactions will only intensify. Paradigm and TransferMate, under the leadership of Irish entrepreneur founder Terry Clune and CEO Sinead Fitzmaurice , are poised to lead the charge in this globalization effort.

2. Operational Efficiency and Economic Value

The rise of combat sports also brings a surge in the economic value attached to it.

Paradigm alone has negotiated over $1BN worth of contracts. With such large amounts and international contracts at play, foreign exchange rates become critical.

TransferMate offers Paradigm an advantage with its competitive FX rates, ensuring they get the most value out of every deal. "Our partners, much like our athletes, are global, and that highlighted the requirement to manage cross-border foreign exchange flows efficiently. TransferMate provides a trusted and robust solution to allow us to facilitate that," noted Muhammad-Saul.

This leads to cost savings and instills confidence in international clients and partners. Streamlined operations in such high-value deals can differentiate between a good contract and a great one.

3. Diversified Business Ventures

Paradigm isn't just about athlete representation. Their ventures span various sports-related verticals, from consumer products to sports tech—companies like Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey and TIDL Sport are proof of Paradigm's diversification.

Sinead Fitzmaurice, CEO of TransferMate, recognizes the transformative efforts of Paradigm Sports, stating, "We are delighted to partner with Paradigm Sports, which has transformed the sports management industry and set itself apart as a multi-sport, media, and ventures platform."

Partnering with TransferMate, which has already integrated its services with major banks and fintech companies, means that all of Paradigm's ventures can now transact globally with ease.

Whether selling merchandise internationally or funding a new startup in a different country, the operational ease TransferMate provides is invaluable.

4. Enhancing Trust and Credibility in the Combat Sports Industry

TransferMate's renowned reputation in the global payments infrastructure industry is significant here.

Global cashless payment volumes are set to increase by more than 80% from 2020 to 2025, from about 1tn transactions to almost 1.9tn, and almost triple by 2030, according to an analysis by 普华永道 and 思略特 .

TransferMate's association with leading banks like ING and AIB , and the fact that they operate under licenses in 51 US states and territories, solidifies their standing in the finance world. TransferMate's stringent adherence to global financial regulations ensures that funds are securely handled, tracked, and transferred.

By collaborating with TransferMate, Paradigm Sports sends a clear message to their athletes, sponsors, and business partners: financial operations will be transparent, secure, and efficient.

In an era where athletes like Conor McGregor and other top-tier talents managed by Paradigm, such as GLORY Kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran commentator Michael Bisping, are more business-savvy and concerned about their financial security, this partnership elevates Paradigm's trustworthiness in the eyes of their clientele and industry peers.

What Does This All Mean?

The partnership between Paradigm Sports and TransferMate isn't just beneficial for the two entities involved. It's a testament to the evolving landscape of combat sports and its growing significance on the global stage.

Paradigm's forward-thinking approach, coupled with TransferMate's unparalleled financial infrastructure, ensures that combat sports athletes, ventures, and fans around the world will witness an era marked by growth, efficiency, and global collaboration.

This partnership isn't just about sports or finance - it's about the future of a rapidly evolving industry.

Building and maintaining trust is vital for long-term relationships in any business, especially in the sports industry where the stakes are high. Athletes' careers are often short-lived, making every contract, every endorsement, and every payment pivotal.

By ensuring that these athletes' financial transactions are managed by a world leader in global payments infrastructure, Paradigm is positioning itself as a leading player that prioritizes the economic well-being of its clients.

Other agencies will consider this collaboration the gold standard, pushing the entire industry towards more transparent and efficient financial practices.

This is a win and sets a standard for everyone: the athletes, the agencies, the sponsors, and the fans who can trust the sport and its representatives even more.

THIS WEEK'S PODCASTS

Eduardo "Torero" Alvarado - Combat Sports Athlete and Commentator Forged by Champions

Eduardo Alvardo Ozuna's journey encapsulates the essence of unexpected beginnings and unyielding growth. From a fan of the sport to a professional fighter, his evolution in combat sports is a testament to his dedication and grit. Hailing from Sinaloa, Mexico, and now fighting out of Tijuana, Eduardo's story paints a portrait of a fighter who continues to evolve.

In this captivating conversation, we'll learn how he is:

• A Fan Turned Fighter: A narrative that unfolds Eduardo's intriguing transition from a passionate fan to a dedicated professional fighter.
• Training with Titans: Delving into his training regimen alongside MMA luminaries like Dominic Cruz, Yair Rodriguez, and Brandon Moreno and how these experiences have sculpted his journey.
• Supreme Triumph: Reflecting on his recent TKO win at Supreme Fight Night Tabasco and the physical and mental preparation that paved the way for his victory.
• High-Altitude Training: Unveiling the rigors and rewards of training at the Centro Ceremonial Otomí Aztec temple at the altitude of 10,000 ft + and how it has impacted Eduardo's approach to the sport.
• Team Dynamics: Exploring his training with Alliance MMA and the influence of being part of a dynamic and diverse team of accomplished fighters.
• Navigating the MMA Landscape: Sharing insights into his experiences with agencies, partnerships, and the strategies propelling his career forward.
• Dual Identity: Delving into Eduardo's dual role as a fighter and a Spanish commentator for Naciones MMA and how his experiences in the cage infuse his commentary with depth and insight.

Support and follow @ToreroAlvarado on Instagram and Facebook

Daniel "Lt. Dan" Dilallo - Mixed Reality Futurist and Mixed Martial Arts Athlete

Daniel Dilallo 's journey reads like an odyssey of innovation. His journey in gaming started with his upbringing in his parent's underground gambling "social clubs" for the Gotti family. It would lead to over a decade-long voyage that stretches across game development, film production, and even a career as a professional MMA fighter.

From his humble beginnings as a tester at Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. to his current role at the forefront of VR and gaming development, Daniel has been an integral part of revolutionizing the digital landscape.

In this conversation, Daniel and I delved into:

• Tech Odyssey: A captivating narrative that traces Daniel's path from his family's gambling operations to game development to crafting immersive VR experiences.
• Tech meets Combat: Exploring the uncanny confluence of technical expertise and the passion for combat sports in Daniel's journey.
• A Game-Changing Choice: Delving into the bold decision to forego a senior lead designer position at Call of Duty to gain real-world combat experience and how it catalyzed his vision.
• Virtual Reality Combat Training: Peeking behind the curtain of Daniel's visionary VR combat training project "The X" and how his martial arts journey informs its development.
• A Real NFT Technology Project: Dissecting Daniel's concept of a digital twin NFT collection for combat training and how NFT holders stand to benefit from this paradigm shift.
• Worlds Collide: Drawing from his dual identity as a former MMA fighter and gaming industry maestro, Daniel shares his insights on blending combat and gaming.

Follow Daniel on Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube at @vrdirector

Learn more about his game-changing NFT combat training project, The X

HOW AM I DOING?

Please feel free to comment below.

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